Houseplants and Health

Most of us spend the majority of time indoors at home, work or in the classroom. Air conditioning, improved insulation, and energy-saving all lessen air trade in buildings, so we inhale and exhale the same air over and over and again. The modern interior atmosphere is sealed and the building supplies used, artificial furnishings, notebooks and I Pad’s, electrical gear, and everyday household cleaning products, can generate unsafe substances that become trapped inside. All of this can contribute to the well-recognized “sick building syndrome”. Unfiltered indoor airs, tainted by volatile organic compounds or VOC’s, are a major cause of headaches, nausea, sore & itchy eyes, loss of concentration and other “sick building” symptoms. The modest addition of inside florae is a natural way to support removing these pollutants. Houseplants are charming and can perform several functional purposes indoors. When planted and positioned properly, flowers and plants can provide shade, fill space, moderate lines, and obscure views, improve flow, condense sound, and produce space. Without even being conscious to the other advantageous properties of houseplants, we might choose a plant simply based on its look. The aesthetics of houseplants is the most common, but there are multiple other benefits as well. A number of studies revealed that either studying or working in an area where plants are visible could have a vivid effect on their study or work performance. Authorities call it “under the influence of plants.” Being in the presence of plant life provides us with a feeling of being among nature. Houseplants are known to contribute to a sensation of well being, making us calm and relaxed and in turn lowering our blood pressure. Due to their stress-relieving nature, houseplants have a quality about them that immediately boosts ones mood.

Another benefit of plants is that they recycle carbon dioxide. Since plants recycle carbon dioxide through the process of photosynthesis, houseplants assist in our breathing. A few plants are especially beneficial orchids and succulents, which take in carbon dioxide during the day and release oxygen at night. These plants are best suited for our bedrooms, because they provide oxygen for us while sleeping. NASA research says that some plants can even lower levels of carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. These compounds are common in homes and commercial settings from adhesives and building materials. Having as few as fifteen houseplants can eliminate 87% of these contaminants. That’s why it’s essential for us to care for our plants and clean any dust from the leaves weekly, so they can suitably clean the air. When we breathe, our body takes in oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. So we are less likely to be breathing the musty, stale air that contributes to headaches and drowsiness.

It is not unexpected that houseplants are now more common than ever before, and it’s easy to understand why. They have an incredible appeal and not only do they complement with a splash of color, texture and interest to our interior beautification, but they also have a picturesque way of providing life and wholesome energy into our homes, bedrooms, dorm rooms, classrooms and work place. We don’t have to move to a rain forest to realize the benefits of these air sanitizing pearls, just a few purposefully placed plants and flowers to look at, care for and maybe even converse with can dramatically affect our mood, health and environment. At Gourmet Services Inc. we encourage everyone to make their home or work place healthy and more attractive by adorning their space with rainbow pedals accentuated by hints of green.